70 INTERIORS; SAFETY & SECURITY; STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
to satisfy customer demand for increased fl exibility and versatility. Multi-purpose appliances eliminate the need for purchasing additional bulky freestanding products, saving valuable countertop space in the kitchen. Meanwhile, stackable washing machine and tumble dryer combinations offer a practical space-saving solution, providing the functionality of a side-by-side setup while only taking up the space of a single appliance.
ENHANCED CONVENIENCE
Busy lifestyles demand helpful technology to simplify day-to-day activities, and homeowners are increasingly looking for products designed to make their lives easier. Quick cycles on washing machines allow users to wash large loads up to 12 kg in just 28 minutes, while crease- reducing technology eliminates the need to spend hours ironing clothes after a wash cycle.
A host of easy cleaning solutions in cooking appliances translate to less time scrubbing, with helpful features such as pyrolytic self-cleaning technology and easy-clean induction hobs ensuring maintenance is hassle-free. Dishwashers already provide the ultimate time-saving solution, and fast programmes enable a full load to be washed in just 45 minutes,
ACCORDING TO A RECENT STUDY, 87% OF SPECIFIERS AND DESIGNERS HAVE MENTIONED THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPLYING APPLIANCES WITH MORE THAN ONE FUNCTION TO SATISFY CUSTOMER DEMAND
while higher spec options feature performance-enhancing technology with intensive cleaning zones where even the dirtiest pots and pans will be cleaned to perfection. Home appliances play a signifi cant role in modern domestic living by streamlining household functions, and users will be looking for advanced features designed to make home routines more effi cient.
SMART TECHNOLOGY
Further supporting convenient and modern lifestyles, smart technology is playing an increasingly pivotal role
Gilberts helps protect twin towers
An “iconic” site that has been transformed into high rise, high specification living for young professionals is a showcase for the latest in modern methods of construction – including its fire protection. The Coventry development comprises two separate buildings including a 17-storey tower containing a total 200 apartments. M & E contractor on the project Excelsior Services (Residential) commissioned smoke control specialist Baiceir to design the most efficient means of protecting the towers. Baiceir recommended installation of a Gilberts Series 60 smoke damper into the fire shafts on each floor (30no in total), with fan skids on the roof of each building to accelerate smoke evacuation. Gilberts’ Series 60 is believed to be the only vent of its kind designed and manufactured in the UK. It has been tested to- and passed- all relevant tests (EN 12101-8 and EN 1366-10 and classified to EN 13501-4). Delivering up to two hours’ fire integrity, the damper combines a low leakage rate and high free area through parallel linked blades when open to deliver high smoke evacuation rates. Activation (by powered motor) is triggered to open the damper on the fire floor for smoke evacuation, whilst all other dampers failsafe close to protect the rest of the building. Series 60 simply slots into the shaft opening, with the installation finished by fixing the fascia grille.
01253 766911
info@gilbertsblackpool.com HBD02_Gilberts_Safety & Security - Fire
Protection_DPR.indd 1 Marmox Thermoblocks specified on Wigan PassivHaus development 12/02/2024 09:27
The final phase of a PassivHaus development is just getting under way in Wigan with high performance Thermoblocks from the range of Marmox being used to counter cold bridging beneath a highly insulated timber frame construction. The St. Mary’s project is being under taken for Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council by principal contractor, Tyson Construction with Pozzoni Architecture being the lead architectural consultant and BTP Architects gilling the roll of specialist PassivHaus assessor. All of the Thermoblocks in 100 mm and 140 mm widths, along with boxes of the special Marmox 360 adhesive are being supplied by Travis Perkin’s Blackpool branch. The scheme to provide much needed affordable and easy to heat new homes has been part-funded by the Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities. The Site Manager for Tyson Construction, Matt Horrocks, commented: “For fitting the timber frame soleplates it is necessary to do a ‘setting out’ course across the block-and- beam, with the dense concrete block serving to contain the screed. The 140 mm Thermoblocks are laid beneath all the external walls, followed by a 140 common brick course and then the standard blocks. This is repeated for the internal and party walls, but with a course of 100 mm Thermoblocks creating the fully insulated barrier.”
sales@marmox.co.uk www.marmox.co.uk WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK HBD02_Marmox_Structural Elements - Bricks &
Blocks_DPR.indd 1 12/02/2024 08:54
within our lives and homes, with research suggesting that almost half of home chefs now expect control over their ovens and hobs through their mobile phones, allowing users to schedule appliance activity remotely. Washing machines or dishwashers can be timed to suit users’ daily activities, with appliances automatically choosing the most effi cient cycle based on soil level. Homeowners can now also be afforded the freedom of changing their oven temperature from their fi ngertips, and for peace of mind are able to ensure cooking appliances are turned off, even when away from home. In order to attract homebuyers in a challenging economic climate and to maximise kerb appeal, current trends should be carefully considered when making appliance selections. Choices must stand the test of time, with guarantees of up to 10 years available on selected products demonstrating expected lifespans. With ongoing usage and operational costs in mind, housebuilders and developers will be looking to futureproof their homes by specifying timelessly-styled, yet highly functional products with innovative features designed to support modern living.
Mike Beech is National Contracts Specifi cation Manager at Beko plc Appliance Partners
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